The impact of impaired "Theory of Mind" on social interactions in schizophrenia

Abstract

Given the importance of social dysfunction in schizophrenia, many studies have explored how social cognition, and, particularly, Theory of Mind (ToM) may affect patients' social interactions. In the present study, we investigated the impact of ToM deficits on social interactions, taking into account overall neuropsychological functioning as well as clinical and demographic characteristics. We assessed 28 patients with schizophrenia and 30 healthy participants on a series of tasks including tests of ToM, neuropsychological tests focused on functions potentially relevant to ToM and role plays as an indicator of social interactions. Patients performed more poorly than healthy controls across most ToM and some of the neuropsychological tests. Correlations and hierarchical regression analyses indicated the impact of some, but not all, facets of ToM on patients' social interactions, over and above neuropsychological functioning, positive and negative symptom ratings, duration of illness and demographic characteristics. These findings suggest that remediation of ToM deficits in patients with schizophrenia may help to improve their social interactions.